Best Radiation Therapy Schools: List of Top U.S. Schools

School Overview

The field of radiation therapy, which combines science and medicine, is commonly studied at the bachelor's degree level. Two such 4-year programs are available at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland and the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. A list of other programs is also provided. All of the programs listed are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

1. Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OR

Oregon Health & Science University ranked third in primary care and 37th in research in 2010 by U.S. News & World Report. Students who have earned an associate's degree in radiologic technology can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy. One of 28 academic programs at the school, it is also available to those with a radiologic technology certificate from a JRCERT-accredited institution or who have completed the required 60-semester hour prerequisites. After completing a 1-hour online training course, all applicants must complete 40 hours of radiation therapy observation prior to admittance into the program. Once admitted, students will complete a 71-credit curriculum including classroom instruction, laboratory time, oncology study and clinical practice.

2. University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE

Ranked 14th in primary care, as well as among the top 100 research medical schools of 2010 by U.S. News & World Report, the University of Nebraska Medical Center offers the Bachelor of Science in Radiation Science Technology program. Students pursue this accredited program through the Radiation Science Technology Education division at the School of Allied Health Professions. In order to be admitted, students must complete 35 semester hours of core university classes from an accredited college or university. This includes a college level computer content course, for which documentation must be shown. Specifically, this program is 12 months, or 42 hours, in length, and, in addition to the prerequisites of this degree plan, a certificate in radiography is also required. Students gain clinical experience from participation in a clinical rotation at one of seven medical centers around Nebraska.

List of Good Schools with Radiation Therapy Programs

School Name

Distinction

Location

Grand Valley State University

Radiation therapy students at GVSU benefit from small class sizes, a cohort program and clinical experiences in a downtown Grand Rapids location

Allendale, MI

Ohio State University

Following prerequisites and general education credits, a 6-semester radiation therapy program at OSU leads to a Bachelor of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences degree.

Columbus, OH

Oregon Health and Science University

Over a 5-year span, this school's radiation therapy graduates have reported a 98% pass rate on the ARRT national exam

Portland, OR

Southern Illinois University - Carbondale

Three years of basic radiography courses and clinical experiences result in an associate's degree in radiography and preparedness for the ARRT Radiographer exam; radiation therapy courses begin in the fourth year and graduates qualify for the ARRT radiation therapy exam

Carbondale, IL

St. Louis University

The radiation therapy program at the Doisy College of Health Sciences boasts a 6:1 student-faculty ratio and an 88% first-time pass rate for the certification exam

St. Louis, MO

Texas State University

Admission decisions for the 2.5-year program are based upon students' transcripts from the two years of prerequisite credits; status as a registered radiographer can be helpful for qualifying

San Marcos, TX

University of Alabama - Birmingham

A 2.5 year pre-professional stage is followed by a 2-year professional stage in order to earn a Bachelor of Science in Radiological Sciences

Birmingham, AL

University of Nebraska

In addition to the bachelor's degree offered at this school, a post-baccalaureate professional certificate is offered

Omaha, NE

Virginia Commonwealth University

The 3-year professional program (following 27 prerequisite credits) leads to a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Radiation Sciences

Richmond, VA

Wayne State University

Admission to the 6-semester Radiation Therapy Technology (RTT) program is preceded by completion of 62 credit hours of prerequisites